SOP 205.04 LIVE FIRE TRAINING EVOLUTIONS

SCOPE

This standard deals with the establishment of procedures for training of fire suppression personnel engaged in structural fire fighting operations under live fire conditions.

PURPOSE

This standard deals with the training of structural firefighters under live fire conditions and focuses on training for aggressive, coordinated interior firefighting operations with a minimum exposure of risk for the participants. Training fires present the same hazards as those encountered at actual fire ground incidents. The Fireground Management System employed at actual fire incidents will be the Standard Operating Procedure at ALL structural training fires.

REFERENCE

This standard shall parallel all Parts of NFPA 1403 -Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions

COMMAND

One Officer on the scene shall be designated as "Command" and will assume the command functions as outlined in SOP 201.01.

A Command Post shall be established and positioned to afford maximum visibility of the structure, operating companies and fire conditions.

COMMUNICATIONS

Command is responsible for establishing radio communications with each company officer involved in the drill. The channel assignment must be coordinated with Fire Communications. Companies operating at the drill will continuously monitor the assigned radio channel.

SECTORS

To eliminate confusion, and provide adequate scene control, all personnel operating within the fireground perimeter shall operate under the direction of a Sector Officer. The fireground perimeter shall be defined as the hazardous area surrounding the burn structure and shall be determined by Command using the guidelines listed in SOP 205.03.

The following sectors shall be established on all structural training fires:

Interior - Training Officer directing interior operations.

Roof - Assigned to coordinate ventilation of pre-vented roof openings.

Exposure - Provide manned, hose lines charged to protect exposed property.

Rescue - Provide manned, charged back-up line in position to assist fire extinguishment and rescue of interior personnel. Experienced firefighting personnel will man this sector.

Re-Hab - All personnel not assigned to other sectors will be in Re-Hab. Re-Hab area will be established in a location that reduces congestion around the fire building.

Safety - The Safety Officer will be in attendance at all structural training fires. The Safety Sector will monitor personnel and fire conditions, and work with Command to insure all safety procedures are in compliance.

SAFETY

The number of personnel involved in training fires often exceeds the number normally assigned to actual incidents. To reduce risk, and assist with scene management, drill participants shall be formed into individual companies consisting of four (4) members, with one member designated as Company Officer. Where drills involve recruit firefighters, the Company Officer assigned to interior, rescue and exposure companies shall be a regular Fire Department Captain.

Exposing Recruit Firefighters to Structural Training Fires presents special safety considerations. All Sector Officers should anticipate that first exposures to interior fire conditions might be less than orderly. To reduce the possibility of injury, the span of control for interior operations shall not exceed two recruits for each experienced member.

To reinforce safety procedures, a protective clothing and equipment inspection shall be conducted on all members immediately prior to their engaging in suppression activities. The inspection shall insure that all clothing and apparatus is serviceable and worn in a manner to provide the maximum personal protection.

PRE-PLANNING

The officer in charge of the drill will inspect the burn site prior to conducting the drill and prepare a detailed drawing of the structure. The following information will be included with the drawing:

Building construction (Type of material)

Building condition

Exposures

Special hazards

Access

Water supply

BUILDING PREPARATION

The following preparations will be made prior to igniting the structure:

All exterior debris will be cleared from means of egress

At least two points of egress shall be provided in all burn structures.

All interior contents shall be arranged to permit free access egress from all rooms.

No additional combustible, or smoke generating substance other than wood pallets will be added to the structure.

Structures will be pre-vented at the roof, and a removable cover installed to help control interior fire conditions.

Interior materials such as draperies, loose wallpaper and linoleum flooring shall be removed

ATTACK PLAN

The officer in charge shall develop an attack plan based upon information obtained during the pre-plan and building preparation stages.

The Attack Plan shall specify:

Points of ignition

Amount of fire load

Position of attack lines

Position of back-up lines

A Rescue plan

Exposure protection

All personnel involved in the drill shall be instructed in the elements of the attack plan prior to igniting the structure.

NOTIFICATION OF LIVE FIRE TRAINING EVOLUTIONS

Prior to conducting live fire training, the following notifications must be made:

Fire Prevention Office – Permits and permission to burn

Fire Communications – Location, time, type of training, number of companies being utilized.

Shift Commander – Apparatus and equipment being utilized.

TNRCC – Approval if required.

Adjoining Property Owners – Notification only

Police Department – Traffic Control, if needed